Following several leaks an teasers, the Mercedes A-Class hatch was finally revealed a day before the Geneva Auto Show starting today. And we have to admit, it looks far more spectacular than any of the spy images let us believe.
The hatch follows the sleek aerodynamic styling of the previously seen Mercedes A-Class concept. However, the production variants include an Urban, Style and AMG Sport.
Built aerodynamic concept, the car offers 0.26 drag coefficient and the top range AMG Sport featuring red styling accents, a unique front axle, a revised suspension and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
On the inside, the hatch features, you guessed it, high quality materials and advanced design coming from the family of world’s leading luxury carmaker. Some highlighted features include circular air vents, free-standing COMAND display and silver-chrome accents.
Mercedes-Benz offers a variety of power plants for the Mercedes A-Class. The gasoline variant includes a 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre units with outputs ranging from 113 hp in the A 180, 154 hp in the A 200 and 208 hp in the A 250. For improved fuel economy, the 1.6-litre motor features a new CAMTRONIC system that regulates the valve lift on the intake side, which restricts the amount of air-fuel mixture entering the engine under part load conditions.
For the diesel variants, Mercedes gives the A 180 CDI a 108 hp and 250 Nm engine, while the A 200 houses a 134 hp and 300 Nm engine. It also gives the A 220 CDI an option of 2.2-litre engine, delivering 168 hp and 350 Nm torque.
For the transmission, Mercedes gives an option of a six-speed manual or a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic, supplemented by an ECO start/stop system.
Mercedes-Benz gave the A-Class features borrowed from the higher end models. Its interiors and features are of the line-up of the Audi A3 or the Volvo C30. The technical highlights include a new four-link rear axle and revised Electromechanical Power Steering, optional sport suspension with Direct-Steer System and a standard Radar-based Collision Warning System with Adaptive Brake Assist.
Moreover, a full range of safety systems is being offered as standard or optional, including PreSafe Preventive Occupant Protection, Attention Assist, Hill-start Assist, Distronic Plus, Adaptive High-Beam Assist, Blind-spot Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and Active Parking Assist.
The Mercedes A-Class also features a wide range of seat cover options, hardware and trim options for customers to customize their vehicle according to their desires.
Full specification and pricing details will be revealed closer to its European launch in September, while local specifications will emerge in the lead-up to the Australian launch in Q1 2013. Like the BMW 1-Series, the new Mercedes A-Class is expected to start from under $40,000 when it launches in Australia.